Bacon makes everything better, especially tender green beans. Top the veggies with creamy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries for a dish that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
1/4 pound smoked bacon, chopped (about 3 slices)
1/4 cup chopped shallots (about 2 shallots)
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries
Directions
1. Cook the beans in a large pot of boiling water until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain. Pat dry. Place the beans in a large bowl.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet, and transfer to drain, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Add the shallots and garlic to the drippings. Saute over medium, 1 minute or just until soft. Add the vinegar, Dijon and dry mustard. Whisk, stirring to loosen the browned bits in the bottom of the skillet. Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the olive oil.
3. Toss the beans with the warm dressing. Season with salt. Arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon, goat cheese and dried cranberries. Serve immediately.
